A Temple Isaiah Tradition

Every Friday night before Kaddish we read the names of the American soldiers who were killed in Iraq between this Shabbat and the last. We also recall the number of Iraqi civilians who have been killed that month. We believe it is important for us as a community not to forget the struggle of our soldiers in a frightening, far away place, and until the end of this war and beyond, we will not forget them.

Outreach and Support

Letter to Army Reserve officers in Los Angeles

Support Our Troops

http://www.opgratitude.com
In May of 2008, as part of Big Sunday, volunteers at Temple Isaiah wrote letters to soldiers offering words of support and prayers for peace through Operation Gratitude.

http://urj.org/Articles/index.cfm?id=8993
The Union for Reform Judaism’s adopted resolution "Support for Jewish Military Chaplains and Jewish Military Personnel and Their Families."

Jewish War Veterans:

http://www.jwv.org/
The JWV SOS (Support Our Soldiers) program is the latest recognition of this desire to let those who are currently serving know that we on the home front are thinking of them and supporting them. Through this program the JWV sends packages, generally of toiletries and kosher food items to those who are serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other places of conflict throughout the globe. We also supply special foods and ritual items for those celebrating the Jewish holidays on the battlefield. The JWV can also customize packages to specific requests, such as those we have filled for coffee, packaged kosher meals, or items customized for special needs, such as an Oneg Shabbat.